Woodhouse Ridge facts for kids
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Woodhouse Ridge is a cool strip of woodland in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. It's often called 'The Ridge' by local people. This area is special because it's a big forest right in the middle of a busy city. The woods are surrounded by Meanwood Road, Headingley, and Woodhouse.
The Ridge has many interesting things to explore. You can find an old Victorian bandstand and a World War Two air raid shelter. There's also a packhorse bridge, the Meanwood Beck (a small river), and even some garden plots called allotments. All these spots are connected by walking paths.
A Peek into the Past: Woodhouse Ridge History
Woodhouse Ridge is one of the last parts of an ancient forest that once covered the area around Leeds. People have used this area for fun activities since at least 1846. Back then, it was more open land with some stone quarries and paths.
Old photos from the early 1900s show these paths and a bandstand. The area looked much more open than it does today. You could see wide views across the valley.
In 1901, the public area grew bigger. A part called Batty's Wood was added. This wood has oak and ash trees. It was a gift to the City of Leeds from a man named Alderman John Warburton.
Later, in 1974, the city bought some old mill buildings and a pond next to Meanwood Beck. These buildings were very old, possibly from 1610. The city removed them and planted new trees and a grassy area. This new part also became part of The Ridge's parkland.
The nickname 'The Ridge' is so popular that three local streets are named after it. These are Ridge Road, Ridge Grove, and Ridge Terrace.
Explore the Trails: Dales Way and Meanwood Valley Trail
Woodhouse Ridge is part of a special walking route called the Leeds link to the Dales Way. This means walkers can go almost entirely through woods and parks. You can walk from near the city centre of Leeds all the way to Ilkley. From there, the trail continues through the beautiful Yorkshire Dales to Bowness in Windermere.
If you want a shorter adventure, you can follow the Meanwood Valley Trail. This trail also goes through Woodhouse Ridge. It leads as far as Golden Acre Park in Bramhope.
Who Looks After Woodhouse Ridge?
Woodhouse Ridge is officially a Local Nature Area. This means it's a special place for nature in the city. The Leeds City Council's Parks and Countryside Service is in charge of looking after it.
There's also a community group called the Woodhouse Ridge Action Group (WRAG). This group started in 1995. They help make sure the Ridge is well cared for. They organize regular "Action Days." On these days, local people and students from the University of Leeds help with conservation and maintenance tasks. They work together to keep the Ridge a great place for everyone.
